Listening Station

The Listening Station - A New Approach to Capturing Stories

Easy to use

The Listening Station in use - setting up for an interview with one individual on camera, both individuals on microphone, is simple. We've reduced the technology to a minimum, to create the most comfortable, least intrusive set-up for capturing stories.

The Listening Station

The Listening Station combines the functionality of a video camera, microphones, and laptop computer into one simple set-up, with an easy to use app to guide users through the storytelling recording process.

Listening Station Kit

The Listening Station kit includes these components: iPad, iPad Armiture/Case and Stand, Clip-on LED Light, Dual Clip-on Lavalier Microphones, and Backdrop (not in photo). Also included are the Listening Station app, cloud storage, and support.

What is the Listening Station project?

StoryCenter has developed a unique iPad-based recording station and app that will revolutionize the process of low-cost audio and video recordings of oral histories, conversations, and interviews. In 2016, StoryCenter worked with the California State Library to prototype the tool with 12 public libraries around the state. Now we're making the station and its services available to educators, community groups, and individuals who will collaborate with us in building the Listening Station Network of users. Order yours now, and join the effort!

How Does the Listening Station Work?

The station is designed as a public kiosk for people to share stories with a listener, hold a conversation, or be part of an interview. The station includes prompts, sample stories for ideas, and audio or video recording. What makes the app unique is that it automates the upload and delivery of files to participating organizations and the participants. We're also working to integrate the metadata collection, registration, release and transcription processes into the app, making it a state-of-the-art tool for gathering primary source material for documentary projects.

WHAT IS THE GOAL OF THE LISTENING STATION NETWORK?

With the support of a consortium of academic, library, humanities, museum, and other community-based organizations, we are planning to create a network of Listening Station users who agree to building shared collections. Our hope is to coordinate national and international projects on shared themes, from the stories of immigrants, to women's rights advocates, veterans, those affected by violence and human rights abuses, or any range of topics. The collections would allow for researchers, documentary makers, organizers, and advocates to have access to testimonies and narratives on these themes.

HOW CAN You PURCHASE A LISTENING STATION?

We are offering two levels of the Listening Station - with service to support you in setting up your station included for $1500; and with set-up service plus programming support included for $3000. For information on bulk pricing, pleasecontact us.

ORDER ONLINE

Receive the entire kit: Pre-loaded iPad, stand, armature, light, dual microphones, backdrop, 200GB of cloud storage for one year, and five hours of StoryCenter consulting support for setting up your station.

Receive the entire kit: Pre-loaded iPad, stand, armature, light, dual microphones, 200GB of cloud storage for one year, and support for setting up your station. You will also receive 20 hours of StoryCenter consulting support, access to StoryCenter registration, and release and transcription systems, to help you establish and sustain your own Listening Station program.